“The Part Of My Brain That Is No Longer Usable”: Emilia Clarke Talked About Her Hard Battle With Brain Aneurysms And Her Desire To Help Others!
At the vibrant age of 24, Emilia Clarke’s life took an unexpected detour. Fresh off filming the first season of Game of Thrones, a project that would propel her to international stardom, she was struck by a life-threatening brain aneurysm.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of surgeries and rehabilitation, Emilia clung to a unwavering determination – to return to her passion for acting. Following the intense filming schedule, Emilia, like many actors, sought stress relief through exercise. However, a seemingly ordinary gym session turned into a medical emergency. A headache escalated into excruciating pain and nausea, leading her to be rushed to the hospital.
Initially, doctors struggled to diagnose the cause of her distress. Finally, an MRI and brain scan revealed a ruptured aneurysm. A delicate three-hour surgery followed, a testament to the skill of the medical team.
When Emilia emerged from the procedure, she faced a new challenge – aphasia, a language disorder similar to the one affecting Bruce Willis before his dementia diagnosis. Recovering her full name took a grueling week.
Two years later, a routine scan unveiled another hurdle. A growth on the opposite side of her brain had grown significantly, necessitating a second surgery. This time, the minimally invasive approach was no longer an option. Cranial surgery with titanium implants became necessary.
Recovery from the second surgery was a month-long battle against anxiety and panic attacks. Emilia’s strength and ambition shone through as she refused to succumb to illness, emerging even stronger. “I have healed beyond unreasonable hopes,” she declared years later, “I am now at 100%.” She belongs to a rare group of survivors who defy the odds against such a condition.
Emilia’s experience fueled a desire to give back. In 2019, alongside her mother, she established SameYou, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals recovering from brain injuries and strokes. By openly sharing her story, she raises crucial awareness about the need for research in this critical area.
In 2023, Emilia joined forces with author and brain injury survivor Clemency Burton-Hill. Their shared purpose? To raise both awareness and funds for SameYou. They aim to bridge the gap in long-term care and support for those struggling with the aftermath of brain trauma.
Their powerful story and unwavering commitment aim to change the landscape for survivors.
